Implementing Competency Education in K-12 Systems: Insights from Local Leaders

This paper describes effective district implementation strategies to convert traditional, one-size-fits-all models of education into more personalized, competency-based learning environments to meet students’ needs. This paper highlights strategies to engage, motivate, and teach all students to proficiency and mastery; depicts shifts in instruction toward deeper learning and meaningful assessments for learning; while exploring models of distributed leadership and educator empowerment.

This report is also available in four separate excerpts – each focused on one of these four implementation stages – to provide targeted information for leaders and educators in specific phases of transitioning to competency education.

1. Ramping Up for Transformation
2. Designing the Infrastructure for Learning
3. Transitioning to a Competency-Based System
4. Embracing Continuous Improvement and Innovation